National Sport

Three and easy for Serena

Serena Williams made it a hat-trick of victories over fellow Americans to move into the fourth round of the US Open.

The world number one had a much tougher time of it against Varvara Lepchenko than she had against either Taylor Townsend or Vania King but was ultimately a convincing 6-3 6-3 winner in breezy conditions.

Lepchenko, who is of Uzbek descent, had not won more than two games in a set against Williams in their two previous meetings.

She was also looking to become only the second left-handed player after Ekaterina Makarova to beat Williams at a grand slam.

The world number one has shown tunnel vision so far this tournament after her slam wobbles this season and quickly moved into a 3-1 lead.

Lepchenko fought back to level with some terrific play but could not prevent Williams pulling away to take the opening set.

The second was a real battle but Williams won the points that mattered, holding off break points in the fifth game and then forging ahead for 4-3.

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That proved the crucial stage of the match and Williams clinched victory after an hour and 35 minutes when Lepchenko netted a backhand.

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